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Don’t Let Savings Go Down the Drain

Simple habits can keep a surprising amount of water from flowing down the drain. Pick your favorites to get started.

Kitchen Tips

Save 20,000 gal/year

Save water effortlessly in the kitchen with smart, simple habits that reduce waste and lower your utility bill.

Tip 1

When hand washing dishes, fill one half of the sink with rinse water instead of letting the water run.

210 gallons saved monthly

Tip 2

Reduce rinse time by using the minimum amount of soap needed.

120 gallon saved monthly

Tip 3

Water houseplants with water saved from activities like washing vegetables or cooking pasta.

36 gallons saved monthly

Tip 4

Use your favorite water bottle or only one glass for drinking each day.

45 gallons saved monthly

Tip 5

Thaw foods in the refrigerator, microwave instead of using running water.

3,000 gallon saved annually

Tip 6

Wait to run your dishwasher until it’s full.

624 gallons saved annually

Tip 7

Scrape, rinse, or soak dishes immediately to avoid using extra water to tackle dried-on food later.

60 gallons saved monthly

Tip 8

Get an instant water heater for your kitchen sink.

5,000 gallons saved annually

Tip 9

Scrape the food on your dishes into the garbage instead of rinsing it down the disposal.

300 gallons saved monthly

Tip 10

Use a rebate to buy a more water-efficient Energy Star certified dishwasher.

2,080 gallons saved annually

Bathroom Tips

Save 190,000 gal/year

Conserve water in the bathroom with quick adjustments that make a big impact—every drop saved helps your wallet and the planet.

Tip 1

Turn the water off while you shave, brush your teeth, lather up your hands, or other hygiene activities.

2,920 gallons saved monthly

Tip 2

Take short showers under 5 minutes (12-25 gallons) instead of baths (70 gallons).

21,000 gallon saved monthly

Tip 3

Use an electric razor that doesn’t need rinsing.

3,600 gallons saved monthly

Tip 4

Fix dripping faucets and other leaks quickly.

10,000 gallons saved monthly

Tip 5

Check that your toilet’s flapper valve doesn’t stay open after flushing. Also, use test dye tablets or food coloring in your toilet tank. If the color appears in the bowl without flushing, you have a leak.

36,000 gallon saved annually

Tip 6

Keep a small garbage can in the bathroom instead of flushing facial tissues.

2,500 gallons saved annually

Tip 7

Switch to a WaterSense labeled shower head.

7,000 gallons saved monthly

Tip 8

Use a rebate to switch to a WaterSense labeled toilet.

25,000 gallons saved annually

Tip 9

Can’t replace your toilet? Reduce the water in each flush by putting a full water bottle in the tank.

900 gallons saved monthly

Laundry Room Tips

Save 73,000 gal/year

Cut water use in the laundry room by washing full loads with cold water—it’s efficient, eco-friendly, and easy on your clothes and budget.

*These figures are just estimates. Actual gallons saved will depend on the individual water usage and the city where you reside.